Device to deliver and mix water

ABSTRACT

Device ( 10 ) to deliver and mix water for taps ( 12 ), said device comprising a mixer cartridge ( 30 ), able to be arranged inside the monoblock ( 11 ) of the tap ( 12 ), means to regulate the mixing of the water and actuation means arranged above said monoblock ( 11 ), able to determine the opening and closing of the flow of water, said actuation means being commanded electrically and comprising an interception element ( 20 ) able to cooperate with said mixer cartridge ( 30 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns a device for to deliver and mix water ableto be employed in electronically controlled taps wherein delivery iscommanded, substantially automatically, through sensor means whichdetect the presence of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The state of the art includes monocommand mixer taps comprising amixer cartridge, located inside the monoblock of the tap, associatedwith a lever, which allows to regulate both the mixing and the deliveryof the water, and which is mounted above the monoblock.

[0003] The state of the art also includes taps of the electronic typewherein the water is delivered substantially automatically when the userapproaches the taps.

[0004] Such taps comprise a valve provided with interception meanscooperating with a solenoid device, or with an electric motor, able tocommand the opening and closing thereof, respectively to deliver andinterrupt the flow of water; the solenoid device or the motor isactivated by appropriate sensor means able to detect the presence of theuser.

[0005] In some embodiments, the valve is associated with manualactivation means which allow to regulate the mix of hot and cold water.

[0006] The structure of this type of valve and the need to feed thesolenoid device or drive motor of the interception means electricallymake it necessary to locate the valve and the electric and electroniccomponents in the lower part of the monoblock, or cast block, of thetap, which therefore must be appropriately sized.

[0007] This means that it is necessary to design and make specificmonoblocks for the electronically controlled taps, that is, differentfrom those for monocommand mixer taps, with greater problems in terms ofplanning the production and managing stocks.

[0008] Moreover, the greater size of the monoblock considerably limitsthe design and aesthetics of the tap.

[0009] Furthermore, the presence of electric and electronic parts insidethe monoblock in the zone where the water passes can cause malfunctionsof the tap and can compromise the safety of the user.

[0010] The present Applicant has devised and embodied this invention toovercome these shortcomings and to obtain further advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim,while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of theinvention.

[0012] The purpose of the invention is to achieve a device for theautomatic delivery of water, which can be associated with a monoblockfor mixer taps of a substantially standardized type, that is, of thetype for monocommand mixer taps, thus obviating the need to produce aspecific monoblock for electronically controlled mixer taps.

[0013] Another purpose of the invention is to achieve a device for theautomatic delivery of water which is practical, fictional and compactand can be used in conditions of absolute safety for the user.

[0014] The device according to the invention comprises a mixercartridge, able to be arranged inside a monoblock for mixer taps of aconventional type, means to regulate the mixing of the water andactuation means, commanded electrically, and comprising an interceptionelement cooperating with said cartridge to open and close the flow ofwater.

[0015] The actuation means can be associated above the mixer cartridge,in a position outside the monoblock of the tap, and cooperate with asensor able to automatically determine the activation of said actuationmeans in the presence of the user.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuation means are fedby batteries.

[0017] In a preferential embodiment, the means to regulate the mixing,the actuation means and the electric and electronic components connectedthereto are integrated into a single block able to be coupled above themixer cartridge in a position outside the monoblock.

[0018] The device according to the invention is therefore able to beassociated with monoblocks for monocommand mixer taps and thus allows toobviate both the problem of stylistic limitations and design imposed bythe devices for electronically controlled taps, and also the problem ofproduction and storage of different types of monoblock.

[0019] The separation of the electric and electronic parts from themixer cartridge confers characteristics of extreme safety andfunctionality on the device according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a device according to theinvention associated with the monoblock of a tap;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a side view of a tap provided with the device accordingto the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] With reference to the attached drawings, a device 10 to deliverand mix water according to the invention is able to be associated withthe monoblock 11 of taps 12 of a substantially standardized type.

[0024] The device 10 comprises a mixer cartridge 30 associated at theupper part with a command and regulation unit 40.

[0025] The mixer cartridge 30 is able to be housed in the upper part ofthe monoblock 11 and comprises a containing body 13 closed at the bottompart by a bottom 14 of a substantially conventional type and definingtherewith a compartment 15 which houses: a fixed platelet 16, a movableplatelet 17, and a drawing and distribution element 18.

[0026] The bottom 14 can be associated with the monoblock 11 incorrespondence with a supporting plane 22 and is provided with holesable to allow the passage of the hot and cold water arriving from thepipes of the water system and with an aperture 14 a able to allow themixed water to flow towards the delivery outlet 21 of the tap 12.

[0027] The fixed platelet 16 is able to be solidly associated with thebottom 14 and has feed holes functionally connected to the hot and coldwater holes of the bottom 14 and a hole 16 a communicating with theaperture 14 a.

[0028] The movable platelet 17 is mounted rotary on a plane parallel toand above that of the fixed platelet 16; it is provided with a hole 17 aable to cooperate with the hole 16 a and with a curved eyelet 17 b ableto communicate selectively with only one or both the feed holes of thefixed platelet 16.

[0029] The drawing and distribution element 18 is associated, due to itshaving the same shape, above the movable platelet 17 and is thereforeable to rotate solidly therewith.

[0030] The drawing and distribution element 18 comprises a centralaperture, or discharge or outlet aperture 18 a, communicating with thehole 17 a and a peripheral aperture 18 b communicating with the eyelet17 b.

[0031] Sealing elements 23, 24, 25 are provided respectively between thebottom 14 and the supporting base 22, between the bottom 14 and thefixed platelet 16 and between the movable platelet 17 and the drawingand distribution element 18.

[0032] The upper part of the drawing and distribution element 18protrudes with respect to the containing body 13 and has a knurling 27on the perimeter and, at the center, a cavity 28 opening upwards.

[0033] The command and regulation unit 40 comprises a base 33 and ahandle 45, which can be solidly associated with the latter and is hollowinside, able to contain: a drive member 41 provided with a piston 42,feeder batteries 36 and an electronic circuit 43.

[0034] The base 33 is provided at the center with a hole 49 on the innerwall of which there is a knurling 47 able to couple with the knurling 27of the drawing and distribution element 18.

[0035] The base 33 is also provided with a central body 19, hollow onthe inside, which extends in a tubular extension 19 a located inside thehole 49 and protruding at the lower part with respect thereto.

[0036] The tubular extension 19 a is able to be inserted and clampedinside the cavity 28, putting its axial hole 19 b into communicationwith the central aperture 18 a of the drawing and distribution element18. The central body 19 is associated at the upper part with a block 37with which it internally defines a chamber 26 inside which the membrane20 is housed.

[0037] To be more exact, the membrane 20 is peripherally constrainedbetween the central body 19 and the block 37 and has an extension 20 aon the lower part which in its normal condition, that is, when the tap12 is closed, closes the axial hole 19 b at the upper part.

[0038] The membrane 20 is also provided with a small through hole 32located in correspondence with the peripheral aperture 18 b and able tomake the latter communicate with the chamber 26.

[0039] The block 37 has at the center a first channel 29 communicatingwith the chamber 26 and with a second channel 31 made partly on theblock 37 itself and partly on the central body 19.

[0040] The second channel 31 communicates with the axial hole 19 b belowthe membrane 20.

[0041] A plurality of supports 34 are also mounted on the block 37,which are able to support a plate 35 on which the electronic circuit 43is mounted.

[0042] The base 33 and the plate 35, together with the central body 19and the block 37, define the seating 39 for the drive member 41 at thecenter and, on the periphery, seatings 38 for the batteries 36.

[0043] The drive member 41, which can consist of a solenoid device or anelectric motor, is fed by the batteries 36 and comprises an extension 41a able to be constrained, for example screwed, to the block 37 incorrespondence with the first channel 29.

[0044] The drive member 41 is able to move the piston 42 axially,permitting it to be selectively inserted into the first channel 29.

[0045] To be more exact, the piston 42 is able to be taken from anextracted position, wherein it closes the first channel 29 and preventsit from communicating with the second channel 31, to a retractedposition, wherein it leaves the first channel 29 free.

[0046] According to a variant, the piston 42 is able to close only, oralso, the second channel 31.

[0047] The electronic circuit 43 is able to manage the drive member 41according to what is detected by a presence sensor 44 associatedtherewith.

[0048] The sensor 44 is covered at the front part by an insert 46associated with the handle 45.

[0049] When the device 10 is assembled, the command and regulation unit40 is mounted above the mixer cartridge 30, and in a position outsidethe monoblock 11, due to the coupling between the knurling 27 of thedrawing and distribution element 18 and the knurling 47 of the base 33,and also between the tubular extension 19 a and the cavity 28.

[0050] The stability of this coupling is ensured by the presence of anelastic clamping ring 48 which prevents the command and regulation unit40 from coming off.

[0051] The device 10 as described heretofore functions as follows.

[0052] When there is nobody near the tap 12, the drive member 41 isinactive and has the piston 42 in the extracted position, that is,closing the first channel 29.

[0053] In this condition, the chamber 26 is in communication, by meansof the through hole 32, with the peripheral aperture 18 b only.

[0054] The water arriving from the pipes of the water system thereforerises from the peripheral aperture 18 b, through the through hole 32,into the chamber 26, compressing the membrane 20 which closes the axialhole 19 b at the upper part and therefore prevents the water fromflowing towards the central aperture 18 a and then to the deliveryoutlet 21.

[0055] When the user approaches the tap 12, the sensor 44 detects thepresence and, through the electronic circuit 43, causes the activationof the drive member 41 which takes the piston 42 to the retractedposition, leaving the first channel 29 free which is therefore incommunication with the second channel 31 and with the central aperture18 a.

[0056] In this condition the pressure inside the chamber 26 issubstantially atmospheric pressure, therefore the water under pressurearriving from the peripheral aperture 18 b raises the extension 20 a ofthe membrane 20 which frees the upper aperture of the axial hole 19 b,allowing the water to pass and flow towards the delivery outlet 21through the central aperture 18 a and the holes 17 a, 16 a and 14 a.

[0057] When the user moves away from the tap 12, the sensor 44, nolonger detecting any presence, causes the de-activation of the drivemember 41 which takes the piston 42 to the extracted position whereinthe tap 12 is closed.

[0058] According to a variant, a timer is associated with the electroniccircuit 43 and is able to de-activate the drive member 41 after apre-determined time, which can be programmed as desired, from itsactivation.

[0059] The temperature of the water delivered can be regulated by makingthe handle 45 rotate, which, being constrained through the base 33 tothe drawing and distribution element 18, causes a mating movement of thelatter and hence of the movable platelet 17, thus varying the flow ratesof hot and cold water to be mixed.

[0060] It is obvious however that modifications and/or additions can bemade to the device 10 as described heretofore, but these shall remainwithin the field and scope of the invention.

[0061] For example, the mixer cartridge 30 can have different componentsfrom those shown and described here and the bottom 14 can be replaced byanother, functionally equivalent element.

[0062] It is also obvious that, although the invention has beendescribed with reference to specific examples, a person of skill shallcertainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of the deviceto deliver and mix water, all of which shall come within the field andscope of the invention.

[0063] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changescould be made to the embodiments described above without departing fromthe broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, thatthis invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed,but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. Device to deliver and mix water for taps (12), said devicecomprising a mixer cartridge (30), able to be arranged inside themonoblock (11) of the tap (12), means to regulate the mixing of thewater and actuation means, arranged above said monoblock (11), able todetermine the opening and closing of the flow of water, the device beingcharacterized in that said actuation means are commanded electricallyand comprise an interception element (20) able to cooperate with saidmixer cartridge (30).
 2. Device as in claim 1, characterized in thatsaid actuation means comprise a movable element (42) able to conditionsaid interception element (20).
 3. Device as in claim 1, characterizedin that said actuation means (42) are commanded by drive means (41)associated with at least a presence sensor (44).
 4. Device as in claim3, characterized in that said drive means (41) comprise at least asolenoid device.
 5. Device as in claim 3, characterized in that saiddrive means (41) comprise at least an electric motor.
 6. Device as inclaim 3, characterized in that said drive means (41) are fed bybatteries (36).
 7. Device as in claim 3, characterized in that itcomprises a unit (40), which can be associated above said mixercartridge (30) in a position outside said monoblock (11), into whichsaid actuation means (42), said drive means (41), said presence sensor(44) and the relative connection circuit (43) are integrated.
 8. Deviceas in claim 3, characterized in that timer means are associated withsaid drive means (41) in order to automatically de-activate said drivemeans (41) after a pre-determined time from when said sensor (44)detects the presence of a user.
 9. Device as in claim 8, characterizedin that said timer means are selectively programmable.
 10. Device as inclaim 6, characterized in that said unit (40) comprises housing seatings(38) for said batteries (36).
 11. Device as in claim 1, characterized inthat said unit (40) integrally comprises said means to regulate themixing.
 12. Device as in claim 11, characterized in that said regulationmeans comprise a handle (45) able to cooperate with the mixing means ofsaid mixer cartridge (30).
 13. Device as in claim 12, characterized inthat the fluction of said handle (45) is to cover and protect thecomponents of said unit (40).
 14. Device as in claim 7, characterized inthat said mixer cartridge (30) comprises water distribution means (18)protruding from said monoblock (11) on which said unit (40) can becoupled.
 15. Device as in claim 14, characterized in that said unit (40)and said mixer cartridge (30) cooperate with reciprocal clamping means(48).
 16. Device as in claim 2, characterized in that said movableelement (42) is able to assume at least a first position wherein itdefines the closing and a second position wherein it defines the openingof said tap (12).
 17. Device as in claim 16, characterized in that saidmovable element consists of a piston (42) able to assume an extractedposition wherein the tap (12) is closed and a retracted position whereinthe tap (12) is open.
 18. Device as in claim 17, characterized in thatsaid interception element consists of a membrane (20) housed in achamber (26) located in communication with said mixer cartridge (30),said membrane (20) being able to assume a first position wherein it doesnot allow the water to be delivered from the tap (12), defined by theextracted position of said piston (42), and a second position wherein itallows said delivery, defined by the retracted position of said piston(42).
 19. Device as in claim 14, characterized in that said chamber (26)communicates with the outside by means of at least a channel (29, 31)able to be selectively closed by said piston (42), and cooperates withsaid distribution means (18), said channel (29, 31) being closed in theextracted position of said piston (42), and allowing said chamber (26)to be filled with water so as to maintain said membrane (20) in saidfirst position, and being open in the retracted position of said piston(42) to allow said membrane (20) to be arranged in said second position.20. Device as in claim 19, characterized in that said chamber (26)communicates with the outside by means of two inter-connected channels(29, 31), at least one (29 or 31) of said channels being able to beselectively closed by said piston (42).
 21. Device as in claim 19,characterized in that said membrane (20) is arranged lowered in its saidfirst position and is able to be raised at least partly in its saidsecond position due to the effect of the pressure of the water passingin said distribution means (18).
 22. Device as in claim 19,characterized in that said membrane (20) is provided with a through hole(32), cooperating with said distribution means (18), and able to allowsaid chamber (26) to be filled with water.